Scott Goforth, 29, of Russellville was presented a plaque Friday in appreciation for 10 years of loyal service at Italian Gardens. His schedule of washing dishes and bussing tables has been the same for 10 years, which might seem monotonous to some, but for Goforth, a schedule is a must.

Searching for a job can be a difficult task for anyone, but when Goforth began searching for work in 2002, he faced the additional challenge of finding an employer willing to work with someone with autism.

“We needed to find a good fit for Scott,” his mother Bonnie Sample said. “We needed a place he could be comfortable and someone willing to work with him a little.”

Fast forward 10 years, and Sample said Italian Gardens and owner Spence Roberts have been a perfect match for her son.

“Spence really stayed with Scott and really provided an atmosphere in which he could blossom and grow,” she said.

Roberts said Goforth has been with Italian Gardens longer than any other employee and his dedication and work ethic are unparalleled.

“Aside from taking vacation and occasionally being sick, Scott is always on time and always ready to work,” Roberts said.

Goforth said working at Italian Gardens provided him with a way to support his family and make friends.

“Without my job, I wouldn’t have met so many wonderful people and have friends,” Goforth said. “I also wouldn’t be able to make money and provide money to support my family.”

When Goforth began working for Roberts at the age of 19, he was socially withdrawn and rarely interacted with people. Now he enjoys mingling with the customers and regular diners know him as the “birthday dancer.”

“He always does sort of a Russian dance along with the birthday song,” Roberts said. “Everyone knows him from that.”

Sample said there is no comparison to when her son began working at Italian Gardens and now.

“I’m so grateful Spence gave Scott this opportunity,” she said. “It’s been amazing to watch him come out of his shell and really mature and come into his own.”

Mary Hamilton, an aid with BOST Inc. — a company that provides services to people with developmental disabilities — accompanies Goforth to work.

“I love working with Scott,” Hamilton said. “He really is a joy to work with and his story is such a positive one.”

In April of 2009, Goforth participated in a training video about transitioning from school to the workforce that is still in use today. While being interviewed for the video, Goforth heard someone refer to him as autistic for the first time.

“When we got in the car to go home, he asked me what that lady called him,” Sample said. “I told him she referred to him as autistic and honestly that was the first time he had ever heard himself labeled that way. He knew he was special, but we had never used that word around him before.”

Sample said her son’s life is a success story of how parents, educators, organizations for people with disabilities and employers can positively work together to impact communities.

“I hope other employers follow Spence’s example and give people with disabilities a chance,” she said. “And I hope parents realize children with disabilities don’t have to be limited.”